Chiang Rai: 2 Temples (White and Blue) + Black House Museum

Kaleidoscopic wonders await in Chiang Rai, where two temples of ethereal beauty and a museum that celebrates Southeast Asian artistry beckon the intrepid traveler to explore.

Chiang Rai offers a captivating blend of serene spirituality and thought-provoking artistry. Visitors can marvel at the dazzling White Temple and the striking Blue Temple, each showcasing unique architectural styles. But the real gem might be the Black House Museum, where Southeast Asian culture comes alive through an extensive collection. This tour promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking to experience Thailand’s diverse cultural heritage.

Key Points

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

  • Explore the dazzling White Temple, known for its intricate glass pieces and modern murals, and the striking Blue Temple with its traditional Lanna architecture.
  • Visit the Black House Museum, a complex of dark teak wood buildings showcasing diverse architectural styles and an extensive art collection.
  • Enjoy a Thai buffet lunch during the tour, which also includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide.
  • The tour is a 12-hour experience with a small group size limited to 12 participants, providing a personalized experience.
  • The tour concludes with drop-off at designated locations in Chiang Mai after the temple and museum visits.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

This 12-hour tour offers an immersive experience exploring Chiang Rai’s renowned temples and the captivating Black House Museum. Priced from Kč 1,160 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, a Thai lunch buffet, and insurance.

Highlights include visits to the dazzling White Temple, the striking Blue Temple, and the enigmatic Black House Museum, with a stop at the scenic Mae Kachan Hot Spring.

The small group size is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Itinerary Details

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, followed by a 3-hour journey to Chiang Rai.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, followed by a 3-hour journey to Chiang Rai.

First, visitors stop at the Mae Kachan Hot Spring for a 20-minute break.

Then, they explore the dazzling White Temple, where they’ll take a guided tour and have time for shopping.

After a Thai buffet lunch, the group visits the striking Blue Temple for another guided tour and sightseeing.

The final stop is the Black House Museum, a complex of dark teak wood buildings showcasing Lanna, Laotian, and Southeast Asian art and architecture.

The tour ends with drop-off at designated locations in Chiang Mai.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is recognizable for its dazzling white color and intricate glass pieces that symbolize Buddha’s purity and wisdom.

This contemporary Buddhist temple features a unique blend of traditional Lanna and modern elements. Visitors can explore the temple’s main hall, where the walls and ceiling are adorned with intricate murals depicting contemporary themes, including images of Superman, Spiderman, and Neo from The Matrix.

The temple grounds also offer opportunities for shopping, with vendors selling a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

Though not as well-known as the nearby White Temple, the Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten, is nonetheless an architectural marvel.

Featuring a striking sapphire blue color and traditional Lanna style, the temple is a feast for the eyes. Visitors can explore the intricate carvings, murals, and statues during a guided tour.

The temple’s design blends influences from Lanna, Laotian, and Southeast Asian styles, creating a unique and visually stunning experience.

The temple’s design blends diverse architectural influences, creating a uniquely captivating and visually stunning experience.

With its vibrant hues and captivating aesthetics, the Blue Temple is a must-see destination on any Chiang Rai temple tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Black House Museum (Baan Dam)

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

After exploring the captivating Blue Temple, the tour moves on to the Black House Museum, also known as Baan Dam.

This complex features 40 dark teak wood buildings showcasing a mix of Lanna, Laotian, and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Visitors can wander through the unique structures, which house an extensive art collection.

The Black House Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and the vision of its late owner, the renowned artist Thawan Duchanee.

This stop provides a thought-provoking contrast to the serene temples visited earlier in the day.

Important Information and Requirements

To ensure a seamless experience, pickup times vary based on hotel location.

Hotels within the old city walls are picked up between 7:00 – 7:30 AM, while hotels outside the walls are picked up between 7:15 – 7:50 AM.

For those not staying in the pickup area, the meeting points are Wat Phra Singh or Maya Shopping Center.

The dress code for temples requires long pants/skirts covering knees and shoulders.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness.

Restrictions include no large luggage, pets, alcohol, or drugs.

  • Dress code for temples: Long pants/skirts covering knees and shoulders

  • Not suitable for: Wheelchair users, people with altitude sickness

  • Restrictions: No large luggage, pets, alcohol, or drugs

  • Pickup times: 7:00 – 7:30 AM (hotels within old city walls), 7:15 – 7:50 AM (hotels outside old city walls)

  • Meeting points for hotels outside pickup area: Wat Phra Singh or Maya Shopping Center

Booking and Cancellation Policies

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund is available.

Customers can reserve now and pay later. Be sure to provide the hotel name and a WhatsApp-compatible phone number to arrange pickup.

The itinerary may change based on conditions and traffic. This small-group tour has a maximum of 12 participants.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness. No large luggage, pets, alcohol, or drugs are allowed.

Dress code for the temples requires long pants/skirts covering the knees and shoulders covered.

Getting to Chiang Rai

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

The tour departs from Chiang Mai, which is about a 3-hour drive to Chiang Rai.

A 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai transports you to the cultural treasures of Chiang Rai.

During the journey, you’ll take in stunning views of the northern Thai countryside:

  • Lush, rolling hills dotted with vibrant green rice paddies

  • Winding roads that snake through the mountainous terrain

  • Traditional villages where time seems to stand still

  • Glimpses of the Mekong River forming the border with Laos

  • Bustling markets and roadside stalls selling fresh produce and local handicrafts

The comfortable air-conditioned van ensures a smooth and relaxing ride, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Chiang Rai’s cultural treasures.

Since You Asked

chiang-rai-2-temples-white-and-blue-black-house-museum

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour requires guests to wear long pants or skirts covering the knees, and have their shoulders covered when visiting the temples. This dress code must be followed to enter the sacred sites.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour has a strict policy prohibiting pets, along with restrictions on large luggage, alcohol, and drugs to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

Is There a Tour Guide Throughout the Entire Tour?

Yes, there’s an English-speaking guide who accompanies the group throughout the entire 12-hour tour. The guide provides guided tours at the temples and museum, sharing insights and information along the way.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

According to the tour details, large luggage is not permitted on the tour. Participants are advised to avoid bringing large bags or items that may be difficult to carry during the day’s activities.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. The itinerary involves walking and navigating uneven terrain, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility. The tour is best suited for travelers who can move freely.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Rai tour offers a unique blend of stunning temples and thought-provoking art. Visitors can admire the dazzling White Temple, the vibrant Blue Temple, and the captivating Black House Museum, all of which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. This tour provides a well-rounded experience that contrasts serene spirituality with intriguing artistry, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the northern region of the country.

You can check availability for your dates here: